Everything Victorian and more....

Bringing back the joy of everything Victorian...especially Classic Romance and Gothic Novels...and more!

PLEASE NOTE: I DO NOT RECEIVE PAY FOR MY BOOK REVIEWS. I DO SOMETIMES RECEIVE FREE ARCS AND/OR GIVEAWAY COPIES FROM AUTHORS, PUBLISHERS, AND PUBLICISTS. MY PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY IS TO MY READERS, THEREFORE, I AM COMMITTED TO HONEST REVIEWS. I REVIEW BOOKS ONLY AS A HOBBY.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Lady Sophie Windham has maneuvered a few days to herself at the ducal mansion in London before she must join her family for Christmas in Kent. Suddenly trapped by a London snowstorm, she finds herself with an abandoned baby and only the assistance of a kind, handsome stranger standing between her and complete disaster.

My thoughts:

In this Regency romance, Grace Burrows has written a heartwarming holiday love story. It is easy reading with strong character development. For readers looking for something to enjoy over Christmas, this may be the one for you. 4 stars****

When the powerful demon that left Shay for dead discovers her empty grave, he comes seeking retribution, believing she possesses an ancient book he has sought for centuries. Knowing she can't fight the demon alone, Shay returns to her clan and the Scottish Warrior who betrayed her...the only man she's ever loved, where she discovers that betrayal isn't always what it seems. Sometimes it's far worse.

My thoughts:

I love stories centered in the Scottish Highland, especially good ones. Embrace The Highland Warrior is one of those. Demons and vampires; Highland clans; drama and suspense; betrayal; love...what could make for better reading? Anita Clenney has continued to spin a tale that a reader can't resist. My only suggestion would be to first read Awaken The Highland Warrior so that you are involved with the entire saga. Well written, a page-turner.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

A secret society of younger sons, sworn to aid and abet each other, no matter the scandal or cost . . . Their fathers and brothers may rule the world, but they run it, and when it comes to passion they refuse to accept second best.

No one would ever suspect Lady Boudicea "Beau" Vaughn, a well-bred, young heiress, of secretly harboring unladylike desires. The object of her affection: Gareth Sandison, a notorious rake and her brother's best friend. Beau knows her brother would never approve, yet one glance into Gareth's smoldering eyes stirs a longing deep inside her.

The second son of an Earl, Gareth has always known the lovely Lady Beau is above his station. But when she is kidnapped, Gareth sees a chance to prove his worth and plans a daring rescue. Soon he and Beau are on the run. Yet Beau's abductors are not the only threat-passion pursues the pair at every turn. Long nights fuel forbidden fantasies, and with danger closing in, Gareth and Beau will finally give in to the ultimate temptation...

The Duke of Somervale, whose sister's wedding is the event of the ton, is fighting off debutantes and desperately needs help from beautiful, stubborn Olivia Reyne. But she is engrossed with problems engulfing her dearest friends and family. The last thing Olivia needs is to be embroiled with a duke whose dark gaze makes her forget herself entirely...

Discover a new side of a beloved author as Leigh Michaels draws you into the glittering, glitzy world of Regency England and an affair you'll never forget.

About the author:

Leigh Michaels is the author of 80 romance novels with more than 35 million copies sold. A six time RITA finalist, she has also received two RT Book Reviews Reviewer's Choice awards, and the Johnson Brigham Award. She teaches romance writing on the internet at Gotham Writers' Workshop. She lives in Des Moines, Iowa.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

To many, she has a perfect life-freedom to travel the world, expensive gifts from wealthy men. But consummate actress though she is, Mara Flynn can never make herself believe the passion is real. One more job. That's all she needs to ensure her family's financial future. And California is just teeming with gold. There, her daring impersonation will fool everyone...except one man.

He has sworn never to forgive.

Mara didn't plan for Nicholas Chantale, though. He has hunted her from the steamy streets of New Orleans all the way to the blinding brilliance of California gold country, only to have his dreams of vengeance crushed when he meets her in the flesh. For though he was sworn to kill her, she was the love he would die for.

My thoughts:

Laurie McBain has sold over 11 million copies of her romance novels all over the world. In Tears of Gold she once again comes up with a sure-fire hit! Told with colorful descriptions and intriguing romance, it is totally riveting.

In the aristocratic world of the magnificent plantations of nineteenth-century Louisiana, young Amalie knows how to behave as the new mistress at Belle Grove, but her arranged marriage to Julien Declouet is full of surprises.

He's as different as night and day...

Amalie finds her husband perfectly polite, although oddly aloof, by day, but a completely different man when he visits her in her chambers at night, full of white-hot emotions and passion that sweeps her away. As the steamy Louisiana summer swelters onward, and the mystery of her husband's dual personalities intensifies, the once-innocent Amalie finds herself embroiled in one turbulent scandal after another.

My thoughts:

This fast moving, steamy romance captures the mystique of all things southern. Lush storytelling at its best!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Miss Julianne Gatewick is in a pickle. It started when her brother's best friend-for whom she's long nursed a secret tendre-agreed to act as her guardian for the Season, only to seduce her with a risqué waltz. But when the music stopped and the expectant ton waited for Marc Darcett, Earl of Hawkfield, to claim her as his own, he made his disinterest clear. Rather than succumb to humiliation, Julianne does what any self-respecting, recently discarded young miss with a wicked sense of humor would do. She secretly pens a lady's guide to enticing unrepentant rakes . . . and it becomes the hottest scandal sheet in London.

Every honorable rake knows that friends' sisters are forbidden. But suddenly Julienne has a spark of mischief in her eyes that Hawk can't resist. Try as he might to push her away, he spends his days listening for her laughter and his nights dreaming of kissing her senseless. He's always avoided innocents and their marriage-minded mothers, but has the man least likely to wed finally met his match?

My thoughts:

How to Seduce a Scoundrel is a historical romance novel, taking place in the early 1800's. Filled with mischief and seduction, with all the charm of the period and some sex thrown in, I thought it was a riot to read. Dreiling's novels are becoming a delicious habit! Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Less than a hero's welcome...
Returning to his family seat from Waterloo, Gervase Frant, seventh Earl of St Erth, could have expected more enthusiasm for his homecoming. His quiet cousin, stepmother, and young half-brother seem openly disappointed that he survived the wars. And when he begins to fall for his half-brother's sweetheart, his chilly reception goes from unfriendly to positively murderous.

One of Heyer's most suspenseful Regency romances, The Quiet Gentleman combines an ingenious mystery plot with her signature witty style and effervescently engaging characters.

About the author:

Georgette Heyer wrote over fifty novels, including Regency romances, mysteries, and historical fiction. She was known as the Queen of Regency romance, and was legendary for her research, historical accuracy, and her extraordinary plots and characterizations.

My thoughts:This is Georgette Heyer at her best! She fills the story with extraordinary characters, wonderful suspense, and all the great style of the Regency period. It seems to be well researched, which I believe Ms. Heyer is famous for, and is beautifully written. It is one of those classic books I want to keep and read again and again. I loved the quirky characters, the suspense, and the witty interaction. Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for my review copy.

A Delightful Tangle of Affairs...
The Earl of Spenborough had always been noted for his eccentricity. Leaving a widow younger than his own daughter Serena was one thing, but leaving his fortune to the trusteeship of the Marquis of Rotherham – the one man the same daughter had jilted – was quite another.

When Serena and her lovely young stepmother Fanny decide to move to Bath, Serena makes an odd new friend and discovers an old love. Before long, they're all entangled in a clutter of marriage and manners the likes of which even Regency Bath has rarely seen.

About the Author

The late Georgette Heyer was a very private woman. Her historical novels have charmed and delighted millions of readers for decades, though she rarely reached out to the public to discuss her works or personal life. She was born in Wimbledon in August 1902, and her first novel, The Black Moth, published when she was 19, was an instant success.

Heyer published 56 books over the next 53 years, until her death from lung cancer in 1974. Her work included Regency novels, mysteries and historical fiction. Known also as the Queen of Regency romance, Heyer was legendary for her research, historical accuracy and her extraordinary plots and characterizations. Her last book, My Lord John, was published posthumously in 1975. She was married to George Ronald Rougier, a barrister, and they had one son, Richard.

My thoughts:

This is the first book I've read by the famous Georgette Heyer and found it so much fun! I can understand why Ms. Heyer is one of the popular authors of Regency romances and historical fiction. She writes beautifully. Bath Tangle may not be her most successful novel, but it is certainly very enjoyable if you like memorablecharacters, witty interaction, and a fast read.Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for my review copy.

Friday, July 8, 2011

While defending Arthur's kingdom, the great warrior Gwalchmai commits a grave offense against the woman he loves. She disappears, and haunted by her memory, Gwalchmai travels to the most beautiful land of all as he searches for her. But an unexpected and malevolent force of evil and Darkness has taken root there...and it will be up to Gwalchmai once again to serve the Light.

In the second book of Gillian Bradshaw's critically acclaimed trilogy, Sir Gawain comes to life as Gwalchmai, startlingly human yet fantastically heroic.

My thoughts:

Bradshaw has written many best-sellers. "Kingdom of Summer", the 2nd book in Gillian Bradshaw's Arthurian trilogy is certainly one of the best. Continuing in the model of a Tolkien epic, the reader will find action, magic, and romance; characters that are well-defined and easy to relate to; and a story-line that is mystical. It was a joy to read. Thank you to SourceBooks Landmark for my review copy.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Lucy Scarpelli, an Italian dressmaker from New York, befriends socialite Rowena Langdon as she's making her summer wardrobe. It's an unlikely friendship, but one that Rowena encourages by inviting Lucy to the family mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. Grateful for Lucy's skill in creating clothes that hide her physical injury, Rowena encourages Lucy to dream of a better future. One day Lucy encounters an intriguing man on the Cliff Walk, and love begins to blossom. Yet Lucy resists, for what man will accept her family responsibilities? Rowena also deals with love as she faces a worrisome arranged marriage to a wealthy heir. And Lucy's teenage sister, Sofia, takes up with a man of dubious character. All three women struggle as their lives, and those of each unlikely suitor, become intertwined in a web of secrets and sacrifice. Will any of them find true happiness?

My thoughts:Another wonderful novel from Nancy Moser! An Unlikely Suitor is a historical romance that kept me turning pages and wishing for more. Moser is always exciting and this book remains consistent with her past work. The characters are well-developed, the story line is compelling, and the historical facts seem to be in keeping with The Gilded Age. Thank you to Bethany House for my review copy.